Commercial Drivers Set To Strike Today Over ‘High’ Insurance Premium

Post by Stephanie Ekowa

The premium hikes in transport insurance has finally led to the commercial drivers’ consensus to go on strike today. Drivers who belong to the Ghana Committed Drivers Association are expected to strike today following their uproar against the increments in insurance premium.

Facts have it that in June 2015, the Ghana Insurance Association (GIA) proposed 800% increment in motor insurance premiums. But there were oppositions among transport unions. To this effect, it was then reduced to 300 which was to be implemented in two stages. But according these commercial drivers, the GIA in a new development were said to increase the third-party insurance to 500 percent. The drivers protested this development on the basis that they (the commercial drivers) do not benefit from the insurance

Unsatisfied with the present state of the premiums, the union is finally set to strike today. According to the Chairman of the Ghana Committed Drivers Association, Charles Danso, attempts to negotiate with the Ministry of Transport and the National Insurance Commission has proved futile. He said the drivers to partake in the strike have all been informed and that this time around, they are keeping their word on the strike.

The union has also predicted that the strike is to affect commuting within the city and it is expected to compel stake holders to act fast.

The union is asking for a further reduction in the insurance premium. Mr Danso who spoke to Citi News said that they the drivers are demanding for a 240 to 260 percent increase. Speaking to Citi News, he said the president had invited them for negotiations, but it didn’t yield any positive results.

Bent on their decision, the Mr. Manso said the association ”will not listen to anyone until the reduction takes effect”